Avionics: A CO detector that navigates

The next step in avionics convergence

First, the GPS swallowed the radios, and then it ate the transponder and audio panel.

Next, audio panels fought back by consuming com radios, and some headsets became mobile phones.

These examples of cockpit convergence are increasing as avionics follow the example of consumer electronics, where fewer devices—primarily smartphones and tablet computers—perform more tasks (such as phone, email, text messenger, calculator, and camera).

One of the most surprising recent avionics combinations comes from Guardian Avionics (formerly CO Guardian), which has transformed its electronic, FAA-certified carbon monoxide detector into a wireless provider of navigation information for tablet computers.

Say what?

“We’re bridging the gap between certified and noncertified avionics products and allowing pilots to display information however and wherever they want it,” said Ash Vij, president of Guardian Avionics, based in Tucson, Arizona. “We’re the bridge between the certified and noncertified products that allows them to communicate.”

The company recently began selling an electronics box called the Aero 454, which takes GPS position and air data computer information from certified, panel-mounted avionics such as a Garmin 430/530 or G1000 and transmits it via WiFi to as many as three tablet computers at once. Those tablet computers can run whatever software they please (Flight Guide, AOPA FlyQ, ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, WingX) to show flight plans, moving maps, or georeferenced approach plates as well as ADS-B weather.

Guardian Avionics is already in the midst of upgrades such as adding ADS-B traffic (for airplanes equipped with FAA-certified ADS-B “out” signals), bandwidth for up to seven tablet computers, and allowing pilots to upload flight plans and change radio frequencies and transponder codes via tablet computers.

The company offers its own navigation app with the Aero 454 that graphically answers the most frequently asked passenger questions: “Where are we?” and “When are we going to get there?” (“How fast are we going?” and “How high are we flying?” are answered, too.)

And the Aero 454 has a carbon monoxide detector, as well as cabin altitude warnings at 10,000, 12,500, and 14,000 feet.

Vij, a pilot, mechanic, and engineer, said the move toward cockpit convergence is well under way—and the iPad and tablets like it are sure to accelerate the trend. “The iPad is revolutionizing the way we fly,” he said. “There’s no turning back.”

As tablets become more plentiful and more powerful, Vij said they will become even more essential for navigation, terrain avoidance, weather, traffic, checklists, maintenance, and record keeping.

Aspen Avionics was the first to promote such rapid and thorough integration with its concept of an iPad-centric “connected panel” in 2011—and the industry appears to be responding favorably. Dozens of firms are sharing the open-source software that will allow their devices to communicate with different brands.

Guardian Avionics plans to continue building and selling FAA-certified carbon monoxide detectors as well as pulse oximeters and other safety equipment. But Vij said the line between FAA-certified and noncertified products is blurring.

For example, iPads are approved electronic flight bags for an increasing number of airlines and corporate flight departments. These and other portables already are being used to display information derived from FAA-certified sources—and much more is in store in that area.

“For an airplane that already has a WAAS GPS and an air data computer, an iPad can crunch the numbers and determine the optimum route and altitude to fly,” Vij said. “These kinds of links between certified and noncertified products are sure to increase going forward. We want our company to be the bridge that allows those kinds of exchanges to take place. ”

AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Dave Hirschman joined AOPA in 2008. He has an airline transport pilot certificate and instrument and multiengine flight instructor certificates. Dave flies vintage, historical, and Experimental airplanes and specializes in tailwheel and aerobatic instruction.

Although Congress is about to break for its August recess, AOPA members should keep calling their elected officials and asking them to co-sponsor the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBR2), said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Jim Coon.

Mark Scheuer was tired of yelling at his wife across the noisy cockpit of their Grumman Yankee, and he thought there had to be a better way of communicating. PS Engineering Inc. was born out of that necessity and is now celebrating its third decade of forging new ground in cockpit communication technology.